Category: Lahore

Lahore: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, on the occasion of the eighth anniversary of the police martyrs of the Faisal Chowk Mall Road tragedy, visited the grave of DIG Captain (Retd) Syed Ahmad Mobeen Shaheed, laid a floral wreath, and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks.

He also visited the residence of DIG Syed Ahmad Mobeen Shaheed, where he met with his mother and other family members.

The IG Punjab, while paying tribute to the great sacrifice of DIG Captain (Retd) Syed Ahmad Mobeen, said that DIG Syed Ahmad Mobeen was an exemplary human being and a professional officer. His services for the country, nation, and Punjab Police will always be remembered, he added.

He said that the immortal sacrifices of the police martyrs, who gave their lives in the line of duty to protect the country and nation, will never be forgotten.

Usman Anwar said Punjab Police salutes the brave martyrs of the Faisal Chowk (Charing Cross) tragedy. Martyrs' Day at Charing Cross is a day of renewal of the pledge to the courageous martyrs of Punjab Police. Police officers and officials had laid down their lives in the same location on this day in 2017, he added.

DIG Syed Ahmed Mubeen, SSP Zahid Gondal, along with 7 other police officers and personnel, were martyred.

Punjab Police spokesperson shared the details that in the Faisal Chowk (Charing Cross) incident, ASI Muhammad Ameen, Head Constable Asmat Ullah, and Constables Muhammad Aslam, Irfan Mehmood, and Nadeem Tanveer also embraced martyrdom.

The IG Punjab said that the sacrifices of the martyred police officers and personnel will always remain fresh in the hearts of the people. Punjab Police is the custodian of over 1650 martyrs and stands as an unyielding wall against terrorists and criminals. He further said that the welfare and care of the families of martyrs is a top priority.

Lahore: The Punjab government has formed a committee to prepare a environmental protection report.

The committee secretary, Deputy Director Regulatory Control Afrah Ali, told reporter that the committee had been formed under the chairmanship of Director General EPA Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh. A report would be prepared on environmental protection, sustainable development and pollution control measures.

The annual report would be prepared under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, which would include important issues such as air quality, water resources, biodiversity, waste management, land use and climate change.

Consultations will be held with relevant government agencies, industries, communities and NGOs for preparation of the report. The initial report will be prepared by February 26, 2025, while the final report will be submitted by March 5, 2025. The committee includes various directors and deputy directors of the EPA Punjab.

Provincial Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, in a recent statement, said the the Punjab government was making all-out efforts to combat environmental challenges and climate change. She said that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif was leading regional environmental improvements and initiating climate negotiations with neighbouring countries, including India.

Under CM Maryam Nawaz's leadership, the Punjab government allocated Rs. 10 billion for smog control and Rs. 100 billion for climate resilience, she said and added that the initiative included installation of advanced AQI monitors, establishment of bio-gas plants and bio-refineries, mechanization in agriculture, and the promotion of green transportation. She said that Punjab is setting up 100 state-of-the-art AQI monitors across the province, linked with satellites to provide real-time air quality data.

Lahore: Pakistan-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) is collaborating with Punjab Food Authority (PFA), Information and Culture Department Punjab, and Pak Connects to organise 'Pak-China Chah (Love) Mela', a three-day cultural and trade festival, from February 21 to 23 at Wildlife Park (Safari Zoo), Lahore.

The main agenda of this event is to highlight the vibrant colours of culture, business, and entertainment, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate and strengthen the strong bonds between Pakistan and China.

The PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain told media here Thursday that this festival will present the similarities and uniqueness of Chinese and Pakistani Food and will bring revolutionary changes in the present inundated system of disparities between public and private sector. This festival is more than just an event; it is a reflection of the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China. Through cultural exchange, mutual appreciation, and collaboration, this festival aims to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance people-to-people connections.

While, PFA Director General Asim Javed said that the festival promises a feast for the senses with an exciting array of food stalls featuring authentic Pakistani and Chinese cuisine. Visitors will have the chance to savor traditional flavors, indulge in signature dishes, and experience the culinary artistry of both nations.

PCJCCI Senior Vice President Brig. (Retd) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh shared his views by saying that through cultural exchange, mutual appreciation, and collaboration, this festival aims to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance people-to-people connections. Additionally, it will serve as a platform to boost trade relations between Pakistan and China, opening new opportunities for businesses and investors from both nations.

Senior Representative from Pak-Connects shared that beyond food, the Pak-China Cultural Festival will host a mesmerizing Concert and Qawwali Night, bringing together talented artists from both countries to promote cross-cultural appreciation through music. Attendees can immerse themselves in the soul-stirring melodies of Qawwali and the dynamic beats of contemporary music, celebrating the harmony and shared artistic legacy of Pakistan and China.

PCJCCI Vice President Zafar Iqbal and Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif added that Pak-China Chah (love) Festival is open to all and promises an unforgettable experience for families, food enthusiasts, music lovers, and cultural connoisseurs alike. Join us as we celebrate diversity, tradition, and the enduring camaraderie between Pakistan and China.

Lahore: Secretary of Auqaf laid a wreath at mazar of the Sufi saint Hazrat Ishan Sahib in Begumpura, here on Thursday, and offered special prayers for development, progress and stability of the country.

The Auqaf officials and a large number of pilgrims attended the urs celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tahir Raza Bokhary said that it was necessary to popularise the style of invitation of Sufis to eliminate extremism and violence. It is indispensable to get enlightenment from the system of thought and practice of Sufis to form a prosperous society, he added

He said that Sufis served humanity by transcending the divisions of religion, sect, color and race.

Lahore: Pakistan Railways has decided to restore the Shah Hussain Express (43Up/44Dn) between Karachi Cantt and Lahore from February 25, aiming to facilitate passengers, a PR spokesperson confirmed on Thursday.

According to details, Shah Hussain Express (43Up) will depart from Karachi Cantt at 7: 30 PM, making stops at Hyderabad, Rohri, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, Khanewal, and Faisalabad, before reaching Lahore Railway Station at 2: 15 PM the following day.

Meanwhile, Shah Hussain Express (44Dn) will depart from Lahore at 7: 00 PM, passing through Faisalabad, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Rohri, Hyderabad, Landhi, and Drigh Road, and will arrive at Karachi Cantt at 2: 05 PM the next day. The train will comprise 10 economy-class coaches, 2 AC business coaches, 2 AC standard coaches, 1 power plant, and 1 brake van.

In addition to this, Pakistan Railways has announced two special trains for devotees attending the annual Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The first Sehwan Special Train will depart from Faisalabad on February 14 at 10: 00 PM, making stops at Shorkot, Lodhran, Rohri, and Dadu, and will arrive at Sehwan Sharif at 2: 15 PM the next day. The second Sehwan Special Train will leave Lahore on February 15 at 3: 00 PM, traveling via Khanewal, Rohri, Sukkur, and Larkana, and will reach Sehwan Sharif at 9: 00 AM the following day.

For the return journey, the first special train will depart from Sehwan Sharif on February 20 at 4: 00 PM and will reach Faisalabad at 9: 00 AM the next day, following the same route. The second train will leave Sehwan Sharif at 5: 00 PM and will arrive in Lahore at 11: 30 AM the next day.

Lahore: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Pakistan will significantly boost bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties between the two Muslim countries. Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Coordinator Saif-ur-Rehman said, in a media statement here on Thursday, that the visit helped enhance cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, cultural exchange and bilateral trade, which currently stands at US $ 1.3 billion, and work towards an ambitious target of US $ 5 billion annually. This goal will be pursued through the expansion of the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF) and the removal of trade barriers, including non-tariff obstacles and market access challenges faced by Pakistan's textile sector in Turkiye.

The Pakistan-Turkiye Business and Investment Forum brought together leading investors and business leaders to explore new opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors. He said, this visit marks a defining moment in Turkiye-Pakistan relations, setting the stage for a more robust and diversified partnership that promises shared prosperity and security. He said MoUs will deepen economic and strategic collaboration.